COST vs HSY: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 6, 2026, COST (Costco Wholesale Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HSY offers the higher yield at 3.27%, COST has the higher dividend-safety score, and HSY looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price).
Key facts: COST vs HSY
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 6, 2026, The Hershey Company (HSY) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 0.55% for Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST).
- As of Nov 6, 2026, SmarterDividends grades COST's dividend safety A (97/100) and HSY's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 6, 2026, COST has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and HSY for 0.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, COST pays out 27% of its earnings as dividends and HSY pays out 65%.
- As of Nov 6, 2026, COST's fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price and HSY's fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price, so HSY looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "COST vs HSY: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 6, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cost-vs-hsy
| Metric | COST | HSY |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.55% | 3.27% |
| Annual dividend | $5.88 | $5.81 |
| Payout ratio | 27% | 65% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.0% | 11.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 88% | -7% |
| Dividend safety score | 97 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $491.02 | $202.35 |
| Upside to fair value | -54% | +14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $472.2B | $35.7B |
| P/E ratio | 51.3 | 20.1 |
Higher yield
HSY
3.27%
Safer dividend
COST
Grade A
Faster growth
COST
13.0%
Better value
HSY
+14% upside
COST vs HSY — FAQ
Is COST or HSY a better dividend stock?
On the data, COST wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). HSY offers the higher yield (3.27%), while COST has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, COST or HSY?
HSY has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 0.55% for COST.
Is COST or HSY safer?
COST has the higher dividend-safety score (97/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is COST or HSY better value right now?
As of Nov 6, 2026, HSY looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% above its share price (fairly valued). For COST, its fair-value estimate is 54% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.